Collection: LL7 Chondrites

LL7 Ordinary Chondrites

The LL7 chondrites represent some of the most thermally processed ordinary chondrites in the known meteorite record. As members of the LL (low-iron, low metal) chemical group, these stones are distinguished by their exceptionally low siderophile element content and relatively large mean chondrule size (~0.9 mm).

Their oxygen isotope compositions plot well above the terrestrial fractionation line — further than any other ordinary chondrite group — making them isotopically distinctive and scientifically significant.

Petrologic Type 7

The type 7 designation indicates extreme thermal metamorphism, approaching the threshold of partial melting. Key characteristics include:

• Fully equilibrated silicate and metal minerals
• Chondrules that are indistinct or entirely absent
• Recrystallized, coarse-grained texture
• Sub-solar Mg/Si and refractory/Si ratios
• Fine-grained matrix comprising only 10–15 vol%

Note: The type 7 designation is not universally adopted in the meteoritical literature and should be considered in context of the classification source.

Each specimen in this collection is offered with full provenance documentation and, where available, a Certificate of Authenticity (COA).